The matte gray Schoeps Colette CMC 1 L Microphone Amp and MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Capsule (Stereo Set) is a matched pair of ultracompact, space-saving Colette Series modular cardioid condenser microphones designed to provide frequency-independent directionality and transparent, low-distortion sound pickup for dialog, foley, and instruments in film, television, and music production.
It includes two CMC 1 L (mini LEMO output) miniature microphone amplifiers, two matched MK 4 cardioid condenser capsules, two stand clamps, two foam windscreens, a certificate of matching, a cable strap, and a premium case. Thanks to the inclusion of the ultracompact CMC 1 L, this bundle serves as a lighter and smaller alternative to the CMC 6 and CMC 1 without compromising sonic performance.
It features a balanced mini LEMO output, compliance with 12 or 48V phantom power, and low current consumption. Its Schoeps RFI Shield provides high immunity from RF interference for a clean, low-noise signal. The CMC 1 L supports the high maximum SPLs tolerated by the various MK mic capsules (available separately).
- Complete, no-compromise alternative to the renowned CMC 6 amplifier
- Electrical characteristics of the CMC 1 L are equal to, or even better than, those of the CMC 6 (flat frequency response, very-low distortion, and constant output impedance across the audio frequency range)
- Only 1" long (about a third the size of the CMC 6)
- Weighs just 1 ounce (about 53% lighter than the CMC 6)
- Fully compatible with all existing MK capsules and Colette active accessories such as the CUT 60 and RC tubes
- Compatible with all accessories of the CCM series
- Very-high immunity from RF interference with the Schoeps RFI Shield
- Optimized RF protection of the CMC 1 L makes it ideal for use with transmitters such as the Audio Limited A 10
- Balanced, direct-coupled, Class-A output circuit
- Output is filtered in the ultrasonic range to prevent interference, e.g. from camera autofocus
Its flat frequency response, and the constancy of its directional pattern for all frequencies, are the basis of the MK 4's sound quality. Even in the diffuse sound field, its frequency response is flat, with a slight increase at 10 kHz compensating for high-frequency losses in the room. Thus the sound image is transparent for direct-arriving sound, for sound arriving from the side, and for diffuse sound in the room (reverberation).
The MK 4 is a classic small-diaphragm microphone with all the advantages of this microphone type. Its frequency response and the consistency of its polar diagram from low to high frequencies are exemplary. Like all Schoeps capsules, the MK 4 achieves its flat frequency response solely by its mechanical architecture, without any electronic filtering. As a pressure gradient transducer, the MK 4 has a single diaphragm that is exposed to the sound from both the front and rear. The side sound inlets must therefore never be covered.
The "reach" (distance factor) of a classic cardioid such as the MK 4 is about 1.7 times that of an omnidirectional microphone. Thus even at greater distances from the sound source, direct sound can be obtained. The advantages of the MK 4 are shown especially when mixing several microphone signals; pickup of sound from the side is reduced in level but not subject to coloration. At 90 degrees, the attenuation of the MK 4 is 6 dB, and at 180 degrees, some 20 to 30 dB. Diffuse-incident sound is picked up 4.8 dB lower in level than front-arriving sound.